What lens or lenses will I need to shoot individual portraits, group portraits and weddings on the Nikon D700?

Hi Lisa,

That is, believe it or not, a complicated question.

Most of the answer lies in two bit of information:
1) Where you are shooting these portraits, and
2) What type of portraits you are shooting.

Are you shooting in a studio? Outdoors? with or without controlled light? with or without a busy background? Most portrait shooters in a studio want a flatter image so will choose a short telephoto (i.e. 85 to 135mm). The classic lenses for this type of shot are the 85mm f/1.4, the 105mm f/2.0 DC, and the 135mm f/2.0 DC. These lenses are known to have great bokeh, and are contrasty and sharp.

Choosing the type of shot is important, also. Is this full body, torso chest or just facial? This will help determine your focal length as well. Most people do not want a camera closer then 8-10 ft., so 15-20 ft. is a typical distance. Choose a focal length that gets what you want in the frame at that distance.

If you are shooting outdoors, then the 200mm f/2.8 or the 300mm f/2.8 are usually chosen. These lenses allow you to get in to tight, facial shots with minimum depth of field. However, the telephoto nature requires either a second to help light the shot or multiple off-camera flashes (which Nikon excels at).

Since you are also going to be shooting groups, versatility is paramount. The 35-70mm f/2.8 is no longer made, but recognized as one of the nicest in that range, and may suit your needs based on the size of the group.

Weddings typically require wide angle, so the 24-70mm f/2.8 is one of the best lenses used in this area as well. Very sharp, great bokeh, nice open lens, it is recognized as just about the best, ever. it may take care of all of your short game.

I hope this helped. It is a difficult thing to recommend a lens when you don't know all the details!